Hong Kong leader refuses to quit

The leaders of mass demonstrations have been calling for Mr Leung to step down.

SHAFAQNA – Hong Kong’s Chief Executive CY Leung says he will not resign, but has offered talks between his government and pro-democracy protesters.

The protesters are angry at China’s plan to vet candidates for elections in 2017, and say they want full democracy.

They have surrounded two key Hong Kong government buildings, a move Mr Leung warned was a breach of the law that could lead to “serious consequences”.

At a news conference shortly before the protesters’ midnight deadline for his resignation, the chief executive told the protesters not to attempt to occupy the buildings.

He said the territory’s top civil servant, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, would open a dialogue with student leaders as soon as possible.

“Tonight, the Hong Kong Federation of Students issued an open letter asking for a meeting with the chief secretary, representing the Hong Kong government, to discuss one item – and this is the constitutional development of Hong Kong,” Mr Leung told reporters.

“We have studied the letter in detail, and I’m now appointing the chief secretary to represent the Hong Kong government to meet with the representatives of the Hong Kong Federation of Students to discuss constitutional development matters.”

He added: “I will not resign because I have to continue with the work for elections.”